Tampere’s strong approach on sustainable mobility

Tampere, Finland’s third-largest city, is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Transport is the most critical challenge in this transition, as mobility accounts for about 36% of the city’s CO₂ emissions (2024) and more than half of these comes from private cars. Because municipalities have limited power to regulate fuel standards, Tampere has focused on transforming travel behaviour and urban infrastructure so that sustainable modes (public transport, walking and cycling) become the natural first choice for residents.

Tampere's commitment to sustainable mobility 

The city’s target is ambitious: by 2030, 69% of all trips should be made using sustainable modes. In 2023 the share had already reached 61%, showing clear progress. 

A central framework for this transition is Tampere’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), approved in 2021. The plan links transport with land use, health, safety and social equality. Its core idea is that a growing city with a narrow centre between two lakes cannot rely on private cars because of limited space and emissions. Spatial efficiency therefore guides planning: trams, buses, walking and cycling move more people in less space than cars. 

Since 2021, the city and its subsidiaries have invested more than €200 million in tram line extensions, cycling networks, park-and-ride facilities and accessibility improvements. In 2021, the city won the Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning award for its efforts to link health and mobility and for its focus on safety, environmental responsibility and accessibility.

Climate Neutral Tampere 2030 Roadmap

An other central tool for sustainable mobility actions in Tampere is the Climate Neutral Tampere 2030 Roadmap. The roadmap was created together with all the city’s service areas, various units, public utilities, and city’s subsidiaries. 

The roadmap includes 397 actions under seven themes: climate leadership and stakeholder engagement, urban planning, mobility, construction, energy, consumption and urban nature. Monitoring is essential for keeping the transition on track. Tampere Climate Watch gathers all climate actions and indicators in one platform, enabling residents and decision-makers to assess impacts and adjust measures. 

The tramway is the backbone of the new system. Operating since 2021, it has accelerated the electrification of public transport and shaped compact urban development along its corridors. Electric buses, commuter trains and feeder services complement the tram network, while city bikes, car-sharing schemes and trials of autonomous vehicles fill the gaps for more flexible, on-demand journeys. 

These measures have produced tangible results: public transport passenger numbers have increased 36 % from 2017 to 2024, much faster than population growth.

Placing citizens at the centre of mobility transition

Tampere also recognises that infrastructure alone is not enough. Effective change requires citizens to feel ownership of the transition and to see sustainable mobility as convenient, safe and affordable. 

Opportunities for residents to influence planning have been expanded, and engaging young people - whose travel habits are still forming- became a particular priority. This led to the Mobility Mindshift pilot launched under the NetZeroCities programme.

Mobility Mindshift uses creative, bottom-up methods to rethink everyday travel. Working with students from vocational colleges and upper secondary schools, the project uses co-design workshops to imagine future mobility scenarios - which are then brought to life through urban games and interactive simulations. The project also includes activities such as conducting mobility surveys, establishing a network of sustainable mobility lifestyle ambassadors, and organizing thematic days on sustainable mobility in schools.

This participatory approach has opened new dialogue between policymakers and residents and generated fresh perspectives for the SUMP process. Young participants have highlighted the importance of public transport’s affordability and availability, better cycling and walking conditions, shorter distances and less private car use. 

The city intends to integrate these insights into future investments and communication campaigns, demonstrating how behavioural change and infrastructure development can reinforce each other.

Lessons learnt and next steps

• Tampere continues to promote sustainable mobility in a determined manner, for example by expanding the tram network and improving cycling routes. 
• Tampere has recognized the importance of resident participation and multidisciplinary cooperation. 
• In addition, the connections between various objectives related to sustainable mobility have been identified and are the core of planning, such as well-being, exercise, liveable city, smooth traffic flow, and sustainability. 
• Mobility management has been identified as an important means of promoting sustainable mobility. Communication and, for example, cooperation with schools are important in this regard.
• Work to promote sustainable transport must be carried out at all levels, including municipal, national, and EU levels. 

In addition to SUMP and Climate Neutral Tampere roadmap, sustainable mobility is included in these programs and plans:

• Tampere city strategy 2035
• Mayor’s Programme – Creating a future together
• Kävelyn ja kaupunkielämän ohjelma 2030
• Tampereen pyöräliikenteen kehittämisohjelma 2030
• Pysäköintipolitiikka 2024–2040

Tampere, Finland

Covenant Signatory since 2009

Population: 255 000

Area covered: 525 km²

Key figures

Overall CO₂ emissions reduction target: Climate neutrality by 2030

In 2024, 55 % emissions reduction since 1990.

61% of all trips made by public transport, cycling, and walking (2023)

The sustainable mobility index has increased by a total of 22% from 2017 to 2024: 

• Pedestrian numbers have increased by 21%, 

• Cyclists by 6% 

• Public transport passengers by 36%. 

City Awards:

• Mission City 

• CDP A rating 

Related Links

Climate Neutral Tampere 2030 Roadmap 

Tampere Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan